Big boost for wireless Linux development

US-based development tools maker Metrowerks yesterday unveiled a development platform for the creation of next-generation wireless devices based on the Linux operating system.

The company claimed that its OpenPDA platform, designed for Motorola's i.MX1 next-generation PDA microprocessor, could help mobile Linux developers to shorten design cycles.

According to Metrowerks, the development suite eliminates the need for manual integration of the kernel, device drivers, applications and middleware required for the creation of wireless devices.

The platform offers multimedia PDA hardware and software development tools, including standard applications such as games, multimedia player, voice recording, image viewer, synchronisation, browsing and Java technologies.

It also includes:

• A full personal information management suite
• An embedded Linux operating system kernel
• The Trolltech Qt Embedded multi-language user interface
• The Esmertec Jeode Java Virtual Machine
• The Opera browser
• A pre-integrated board support package.

"The Motorola i.MX1 has exceeded market expectations by supporting a wide variety of applications including the most popular PDA designs, smart phones and next-generation wireless communication devices," said Berardino Baratta, chief technology officer at Metrowerks.

"It is important for Metrowerks to be the first to market with Motorola, which is a market share leader in applications processors."

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